Barking Market extends to Station Parade in trial running throughout month

The market has extended to Barking Station

Barking Market has extended to Station Parade in a trial running throughout December.

The market extension, which launched on Thursday, 2 December, is part of ongoing efforts to change the perceptions of safety and ease antisocial behaviour in the area.

Barking Station was previously highlighted as a hot spot in a Council-led survey which asked women to point out area’s they felt unsafe.

The extension also follows the Police’s Environmental Visual Assessment where it was agreed that stalls outside of the station would make the surrounding area feel safer for residents and commuters.

Stalls will include fruit and vegetables, gloves, hats and scarfs and potentially flowers.

Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, Councillor Margaret Mullane, said: “The safety of our residents is a number one priority for us, and we will continue to think of new ways to reduce antisocial behaviour and change people’s perception of safety in Barking and Dagenham.

“Alongside the launch of the pilot with Street Space, we hope that the extension of the market will bring a sense of community outside the station and start to have a positive impact on residents and commuters as well as giving them the opportunity to pick up a bargain.”

Last month, alongside Street Space, the council launched an eight-week pilot funded by the MHCLG looking to address perceptions of safety and antisocial behaviour outside the station.

The pilot included adding greenery around the station, commissioning local artwork and creating a busking or performing space in an attempt to tackle these issues.

Barking and Dagenham Council say they are also increasing enforcement patrols, increasing CCTV and lighting in specific areas that have been highlighted by residents in the survey.

Barking Market operates from 9am-7am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Additionally, it’s open on Wednesday, 22 December as part of the Christmas shopping week of trading.

The initiative will be reviewed in the New Year to see if it should be continued.

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